Lewiston in 'Flames' this Saturday

by jmaloni

Sat, Dec 8th 2012 07:00 am

Pictured is a scene from last year's "Flames Through Lewiston."

by
Rachel Jolbert

Imagine
a street lined with flames and filled with chaos as dozens of
Lewiston's citizens run barefoot through the night trying to escape
attacks from British forces. On Saturday, Dec. 15, from 6:30 to 7
p.m., watch Lewiston's most important day in history commemorated
as citizens run for their lives while American troops fight a losing
battle against an overwhelming British force.

"Flames
Through Lewiston" is free to the public and will take place on
Center Street (from Fourth to Fifth streets). Dozens of re-enactors
dressed in period clothing will march, fight and run through the
street. Spectators will watch re-enactors of American and British
troops, Lewiston citizens and Tuscarora and Mohawk Natives act out
their part in this infamous attack. Ten large fires will blaze down
the middle of the street, while civilians run for their lives.
British and American troops will battle for Lewiston, shooting
muskets at each other.

An
interesting twist in the event is a unique moment in American history
when Native Americans rescued white settlers from a foreign attack.
These Native Americans of the Tuscarora Nation saved the day,
allowing time for citizens to run to safety.

Lee
Simonson, a volunteer with the Historical Association of Lewiston and
the "Flames Through Lewiston" narrator, called this a
"spectacular event."

"This
is the most unusual re-enacted event in Western New York," he said.

Simonson
explained that nowhere else in this area can you find a re-enactment
with 8-feet tall flames through an open street.

"This
event allows people to get a taste of what it was like to live in
Lewiston 200 years ago," he said.

Lewiston
was burned to the ground and a dozen citizens were killed during the
raid, which occurred on Dec. 19, 1813, during the War of 1812. Around
6 a.m., British troops seized Fort Niagara and set off a cannon in
Lewiston's direction to alert awaiting British soldiers to burn
down the village. With the Mohawk natives by their side, the British
dominated the American troops and set fire to the village during the
horrific moment in history.

"Flames
Through Lewiston" is organized 100 percent by volunteers from the
Historical Association of Lewiston and is part of the War of 1812
bicentennial commemoration.

On
Saturday, Center Street will be closed from Fourth to Fifth streets
after 4:30 p.m. There will be no parking on the street during this
time. More than 2,000 spectators are expected to come out to witness
this unusual and amazing event. This year, the public will be asked
to stand behind the street curbs to widen the safety zone.

Interested
amateur and professional photographers who wish to be in the street
will be required to secure permits from the Lewiston Museum before
the event. To do so, call 754-4214.

HAL
will sell 1812 flags as well as 1812 books and items at Ashker's
Juice Bar and Café at 463 Center St., directly across from the
Frontier House.

This
will be the last chance for the community to watch this event at
night. Next year, on the bicentennial of the British attack, "Flames
Through Lewiston" will be incorporated into the unveiling of the
Tuscarora Heroes Monument. Ceremonies will be held the morning of
Dec. 19, 2013.

•HAL
is still looking for actors of all ages to portray Lewistonians
running for their lives in "Flames Through Lewiston."
Participants must wear period clothing. There will be prizes for best
acting and best costume. For information about participating in the
event, or to register, contact Sarah Waechter at 210-8427.